Dunleath Historic District

what is porchfest?

Dunleath Porchfest is a grassroots music and performing arts event where porches become performance venues for local and regional musicians and other performing artists.

How does Porchfest work?

Neighbors offer their porches as performance venues, and performers volunteer to share their talents. We pair the two and performances are held throughout the neighborhood between 11 am and 6 pm, allowing guests to stroll from house to house while enjoying music and Dunleath hospitality.

Where is the Dunleath Neighborhood?

The Dunleath Neighborhood (click for directions) is near downtown Greensboro bounded by Summit Avenue, Yanceyville Street, and Bessemer Avenue. 

where can i park?

Guests can park free at Swann Middle School and at the Women’s Resource Center. Please use these areas as there will be very limited street parking available in the neighborhood during the event, and additional vehicles in the neighborhood make it challenging for performers and those with mobility issues arriving throughout the afternoon. There will also be considerable foot traffic on neighborhood streets during the event. If you must drive, please be patient with foot traffic and bicyclists, and obey all traffic laws and signage. If you’d like to see as many performances as possible, it would be a good idea to bring a bike.

Do the musicians get paid?

No. All planning and participation is done on a volunteer basis. Performers have offered to be part of the goodwill of this event by freely sharing their talents. The performers that sign up and show up are predicated solely on the act of giving – which applies equally to everyone. We appreciate their generosity and goodwill to help bring this event to life each year.

While at the event, you can show appreciation by using the tips jars at each porch, or by scanning the QR code provided, which links to their virtual tip jar. Performers are also welcome to sell their cd’s and other merchandise at the event.

who can come?

All are welcome! Dunleath Porchfest is family-friendly, with a variety of music and performances that should appeal to all tastes. There may even be something new to discover! For the Dunleath Neighborhood, Porchfest is a goodwill event for the community.

Is there an admission charge?

No! This event is totally free except for what you choose to spend on food, event t-shirts, or for tipping the performers to show your appreciation of their generosity.

Will NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS be closED?

All neighborhood streets remain open and will be shared by cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. So please use caution and patience when driving, biking, or walking.

HOW MANY PERFORMERS WILL THERE BE?

The number of performers varies from year to year depending on how many sign up to participate. The performers that sign up and show up are predicated solely on the act of giving – which applies equally to everyone. We appreciate their generosity and goodwill to make this event possible. Ibn 2024, there were 61 performers this year — bands, ensembles, soloists, dancers. There’s always music and dancing throughout the neighborhood all afternoon, and something for everyone’s taste.

Is there a map or schedule?

Event maps will be available at the event and show parking areas, performers and their performance times and locations, food vendors, information and t-shirt sales area, restrooms, kids’ activity area, and other information.

how long are the performances?

Most performances are 45 minutes long, with just a few that are 30 minutes in duration. Be sure to check out the map for performances times.

Why just one performance per porch?

Well…some of our porches do host more than one performance. But we like to keep it at one performance for two reasons: (1) we want our guests to stroll our neighborhood to enjoy other performances, and to experience our hospitality; (2) to allow our porch hosts the opportunity to roam the neighborhood to enjoy the performances.

Is Porchfest accessible for those with disabilities?

Sidewalks are located throughout the neighborhood for those with wheelchairs or mobility challenges. Additionally, there are typically several performance clusters on most streets in the neighborhood. This means that there will be at least one performance occurring every hour on each street. For neighbors or guests with mobility issues, this will make it easier to get to as many performances as possible. Additionally, we urge event guests to use designated event parking areas in order to limit vehicle traffic to residents, performers, and those with handicap placards or mobility issues.

Where Can I Get Food?

Food vendors will be along Dewey Street by Sternberger Park.

Who organizes this event?

This event is organized by neighbors in the Dunleath Neighborhood.

HOW IS THE EVENT FUNDED?

Dunleath Porchfest is funded by proceeds from event t-shirt sales, and donations to Dunleath Porchfest.

how can I sign up to perform or to host a performance?

Email us at dunleathporchfest@gmail.com and we’ll place you on next year’s email list.

Is there a hashtag?

Use #dunleathporchfest or #neighborsmusiccommunity for all your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts.

Didn’t find your question here?

Email us at DunleathPorchfest@gmail.com.